Aid cuts deepen hunger in West and Central Africa

The World Food Programme says cuts to humanitarian aid have worsened hunger across West and Central Africa, and more than three million people are projected to face emergency levels of food insecurity this year.

The UN World Food Programme has warned that reductions in humanitarian funding have worsened food insecurity across West and Central Africa. The agency cited regional analysis and said reduced funding in 2025 deepened hunger and malnutrition. WFP reported large numbers of children at risk of malnutrition and said its ability to reach people has been constrained. The agency is seeking additional resources to continue operations. Key facts: - WFP officials said reduced funding in 2025 has deepened hunger and malnutrition across the region, according to Deputy Regional Director Sarah Longford. - Analysis projects more than three million people at emergency food-insecurity levels this year and about 13 million children expected to suffer malnutrition. - WFP has requested over $453 million for the next six months to sustain assistance; the agency says planned reach in Nigeria for February would be about 72,000 people, down from 1.3 million during the 2025 lean season. Summary: The WFP says aid cuts have increased acute needs and limited its capacity to deliver assistance in several countries, including Nigeria, Mali and Cameroon. The agency has requested $453 million for the next six months to continue humanitarian operations; whether that funding will be provided is undetermined at this time.